Legacy = anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor.
This week a colleague left a legacy that none will soon to forget. My friend Ann has been battling cancer for the past year or so. And on a sparkling Christmas Eve she lost that battle.... but is no longer in pain. A nice, nice email was sent out by the CEO of our company ... and I'd like to share some of his words as they were very inspirational in my life.
"Over these past months I have regularly been asking Ann for lessons she has learned along this journey. I can't imagine more valuable information about life than from someone facing the end of it. Here are some of the things she has shared with me:
Relationships matter, particularly when not just based on surface interactions. Take more risks to develop more meaningful relationships in your life.
Decide what your purpose is in life and keep that in focus.
Do good and important work but enjoy the beauty along the way.
You can choose to be miserable for the rest of your life, or you can choose to not be miserable. She chose to not be miserable, nor to feel victimized, even in the most arduous of circumstances.
Treat your body with respect.
Never allow who you are to get washed away in the rain of life.
For me, the greatest gift of learning she offered me is well-captured in a famous quote by the Roman poet, Horace, "Seize the day, put no trust in the 'morrow". She would fully encourage all of us to fully embrace each moment, as the present moment is precious and the only guarantee we are given."
As most of you know, even my license plate spreads the word reminding everyone to Seize the Day - even the motto for my photography business focuses on this mantra. And while most people feel this is simply cliche... it's a way of life. And for my friend Ann, it was a huge part of some of her final thoughts. Great inspiration... and an even more powerful legacy.
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